 In 2001, Christ Church Men's 1st VIII, with Bourne-Taylor in the stroke seat, bumped St. Edmund Hall, Jesus College, New College, and Magdalen College, on successive days to move from ninth to fifth on the river, and win blades for the first time in over 80 years.Four years later, Bourne-Taylor was the only surviving crew member, when the 1st VIII repeated that achievement, again moving from ninth to fifth, but this time bumping Hertford College, St. Edmund Hall, New College and Exeter College

In 2006, Bourne-Taylor competed in the Army crew that reached the semi-final of the Visitors' Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, steering the Army crew from the three-seat.In the semi-final he raced against fellow Christ Church graduate, Jonny Searle.